Asylum seekers in Cyprus
Protecting Your Rights: A Commitment We Uphold
Right to Seek Asylum: As an asylum seeker in Cyprus, you have the right to seek protection from persecution in your home country. We believe that everyone deserves a safe and secure environment to rebuild their lives, and we are here to help you navigate the asylum process
- Legal Assistance: We understand the complex legal challenges that asylum seekers face. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers is ready to provide you with the guidance and support you need throughout your asylum journey. We will ensure that your rights are protected and that you have access to a fair and just process.
- Access to Information: We are committed to empowering asylum seekers with accurate and up-to-date information about their rights and the asylum process in Cyprus. We will help you understand the procedures, requirements, and any changes in immigration policies, enabling you to make informed decisions about your future.
- Advocacy and Support: Our mission goes beyond legal assistance. We strive to be a voice for change, advocating for improved rights and conditions for asylum seekers in Cyprus. We collaborate with partner organizations and engage in dialogue with policymakers to promote a more inclusive and compassionate society.
- Take the First Step Towards Justice: Contact Us Today!
If you are an asylum seeker in Cyprus, our law office is here to support you every step of the way. We are committed to protecting your rights, providing legal assistance, and advocating for a just and fair asylum process. Reach out to us today to schedule a confidential consultation and let us be your trusted ally in seeking justice.
24/7 Availability
We understand that legal issues can arise at any time, which is why we are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide legal advice. Contact us anytime to discuss your legal needs.
Asylum Seeker - Your rights
What are your rights as an asylum seekers?
Fundamental Rights of Asylum Seekers in Cyprus
No refoulement - The fundamental right of all refugees and asylum seekers is non-refoulement. This means that you are shielded against deportation or being sent back to a place where your freedom or life may be in jeopardy because to your ethnicity, religion, nationality, affiliation with a specific social group, or political beliefs. Even if you arrive in Cyprus without a visa or entry authorization, you shouldn't be sent back before your application for asylum has been decided.
Right to Remain - You have the right to remain in the country while the procedure before the Asylum Service is pending. You are entitled to stay if you have filed an appeal with the Administrative Court, with the following exceptions:
- Your application is considered manifestly unfounded, meaning that it is unrelated to the refugee definition,
- Your application is inadmissible because—among other reasons—you are protected in another nation, you are resubmitting it despite the lack of any new evidence, or a dependent who previously consented to be included in your application has filed a separate application and there are no compelling reasons to support it;
- The reopening of your application is rejected after it has already been closed because of implicit withdrawal or abandonment of the application the first time; Your application is not examined or not examined fully because the competent authority has established that you are seeking to enter the country, or have entered illegally, from a safe third country.
Freedom of movement
In regions under Republic of Cyprus jurisdiction, you are free to live and travel as you like. Even for a brief visit, if you enter the northern region of Cyprus—which is not under Republic of Cyprus sovereignty—you might not be allowed to return to the regions under government control. Additionally, there's a chance of an arrest, a maximum 12-month jail sentence, and a fine of up to EUR 1,700.
Access to healthcare and education
As soon as you get your Confirmation Letter you are eligible to access certain rights, including access to the coverage of your material needs, and access to public healthcare services.
You have access to the educational facilities of the public sector. Primary and secondary education are mandatory in Cyprus. Attendance in the public sector schools is free, and it is compulsory until the age of 15 years. Children are required by law to be in school from age 5 onwards.
Right to work
As of 01 October 2023, asylum-seekers will be entitled to work in certain sectors, nine months after the submission of their asylum application.
